SHILLONG, APR 29: An organised gang that used gas cutters to uproot ATM machines and flee with cash has been busted, with six arrests made following a joint operation by Meghalaya, Assam and Haryana police.

The breakthrough came during the probe into a break-in at the Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd ATM at Bhoirymbong Branch, Ri-Bhoi District, on April 5, 2024.

A case was registered.

With very limited leads initially and possible inter-state links, a special team was constituted by Superintendent of Police, Ri-Bhoi led by Addl. Superintendent of Police (Crime), Ri-Bhoi and other Police officers of the district under the close supervision of the DIG (Eastern Range), Shillong.

In this coordinated operation, Meghalaya Police with the assistance of Assam Police, Haryana Police busted an organized gang linked to ATM cash theft cases across the country and in Meghalaya Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, North Garo Hills which are more recent.

The district police chief Giri Prasad in a statement on Wednesday said the accused would uproot ATM machines using gas cutters to break ATM safes and flee with cash within minutes.

“So far, 6 persons involved have been arrested,” he said adding the gang was highly specialized and targeted remote locations with low security.

Investigations to map the full syndicate are underway. “The investigation continues to uncover the full network. Further links are also being probed,” the SP said.